The New Windsock Takes Air

Saturday morning it was time to take the Windsock frame off the hangar to get Corey's new one strapped into place.

Having the Windsock keeps an eye to the sky attitude...Good for a Pilot's altitude.

Almost all tied up!

As our luck would have it we needed to wait until the next day to get the windsock back on top of the Hangar due to a windspeed increase. The stability of trying to lift the frame pole against the drag of the wind would be impossible.

Success!

The Sunday afternoon winds were almost nothing coming over the warming ground of the bean fields.

We...I use the term loosely since I was the camera woman in command of documentation, got the Windsock up and filled with air.

Now, we can watch wind speed and direction, instead of an empty frame, that had become a perch to a few different species of birds.

Oh, and may I add? It adds color to the landscape in contrast to the soon to be rising  crops.

Beautiful!

Pella Tulip Time in Retrospect

Looking back in retrospect at my pictures of Pella Tulip Time 2015 and 2017...I gave a glimpse of what you can experience if you choose to participate.

Our visit in 2015 was on the Saturday morning of the Festival. They had a display of antique work horses (OH! And Yes! Standing beside the orange tractor is a Favorite Individual,Subject , my husband Corey) and a Flea Market where we found some bottled home brewed Root Beer from Missouri. I bought an Heirloom Brandywine tomato plant from a young woman who showed me her interest in horticulture and some potholders from a vendor who made nothing else but varied fabric patterned potholders. There were artists providing their interpretations of different media of expression.

I could understand the process of the Flea Market vendor because I myself,CDGardens, spent the summer of 2001 growing and hauling what I had planted,cultivated,harvested,cleaned and packaged from my garden on my own. It was a learning experience that I didn't repeat because of the other things I was responsible to accomplish. I wouldn't change the experience.

Digressing back to Pella Tulip Time,I would highly recommend the ambience of the Dutch Village...

Have a Great Day!

Taking a Look at Pembina Gorge

Easter Sunday afternoon rolled around. Lunch was done,leftovers put away and dishes were attended to.

Kyli became tour guide...Have to know the territory if you plan on visiting often, or when it's mentioned in conversation. So,Corey and I  were about to begin our indoctrination .

We headed for Evergreens and Birch trees as we climbed some hills to get to our destination.

Along the road we came across what people familiar with the area know as the "Frost Fire Ski Resort", located at Wallhalla,ND.

The weather was chilly for the day but we lucked out overall, since the locals had been treated to 40+ inches of snow this winter and almost all had melted before our arrival. Actually, the snow wasn't finished for the season as we were getting a few flurries as we explored the area.

The Pembina River had receded back into it's banks after overflowing from the abundant snow melt.

Descending into the valley to get over the river before climbing the hill on the other-side.

Alerts remained for possible water level rises once again.

Up a few hills on the other-side, then around another few curves...we eventually came to the sign to show us just how much longer we would need to be searching for our destination.


      PEMBINA GORGE




 


The gates were still closed to keep the ATV's off the  muddy terrain on the day of our visit.

This cold and wet day was great for our fact finding mission.

Conveniently located just to the left of the gate you see above, was a map outlining the Gorge's 24 miles of  drive-able ATV and Dirt Bike trails.

The empty ATV Trail getting dried out ,across the valley from where we parked to take in the view..

We saw evidence of how the soil layers have become filled with moisture and slid, or washed out of place.

Searching for information about the soil profile I went here.

Fossils have been uncovered in the strata of the valley.

The discussion of the stated age of what man has perceived the earth to be and where the remains of the dinosaurs were found ensued among us as we continued on our way.

We continue to believe what God has stated in his Creation of Earth,Time and Space...I've found some Answers for the Biblical vs. Science theories we all are faced with when making our 
own decisions. Take a look for yourself!

I know in time that all the rearranging slides will fill in with topsoil and vegetation but the time frame won't be immediate. It gives me an idea of the fragility of the geographical terrain.

Being able to have some recreational trails to enjoy while observing nature is a benefit for both Men and Women powered 2-wheelers...or maybe one of those  little canopy covered ATV's that blows mud into your face.

All I'm saying is Explore the Great Outdoors!

Until next time...Have a Great Day!










 

Easter Sunday

 It was a joy to come share a Brunch before morning worship with the congregation of the Langdon,ND United Methodist Church on Sunday, April 16,2017.

We were welcomed into the house of fellowship and worship with the encouraging,uplifting words ,of confirmation that we were celebrating the Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ.

As with all things we can share in moments of fun...God does have a sense of humor!

I 💞💞 my photobombers, husband Corey and daughter Kyli who made me smile as I went about collecting pictures to document our day.

We had plenty of time before church started to get acquainted with both the parishioners and where we would like to sit for the upcoming service.

I, of course, found the nearest stained glass window to add to my digital collection. 

Each congregation has found a scripture verse to make a statement. I didn't examine the window close-up but the scripture I see is Luke 15: 1-7. Where Jesus leaves the flock off 99 to find the lost 100th to bring it back into the fold.

Time to listen to the voice of the Shepherd,Jesus...

Pastor Schnackenberg prepared for a baptism to be celebrated by the congregation.

Each of us have a different interpretation of how the sacrament of Baptism is to be expressed and here they believe in the sprinkling of the individual presented to the Lord.

Pastor Schnackenberg brought a message relating to us what the follower of  Jesus Christ, Mary Magdalene must have felt when she went to his burial tomb provided by Joseph of Arimethea.

How lost Mary Magdalene must  have felt until she realized that the Savior had Risen from the dead.




                                                                   

                                                        John 20:11-18 (KJV)

Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene

¹¹ But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
¹² And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
¹³ And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
¹⁴ And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
¹⁵ Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
¹⁶ Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
¹⁷ Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
¹⁸ Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.


I ask the Blessing of the Lord upon these words that they might touch your heart and soul... The Lord has Risen Indeed!

Memorable Twist to Good Friday

Yesterday was a one week celebration of sorts. I will share the experience with you from my point of view.

Our Easter Road Trip was moving along smoothly on Good Friday afternoon,or so we thought...That is until we reached a bridge with a big bump north of Fargo. The edge of the bridge can be seen at the far right of the picture. Time wouldn't allow for a second chance to get another shot.  Unexplainable things began to happen after we hit the bump, the car pulled hard to the right. Well, it didn't take long to decipher that we had just lost a very important part to keep everything working to power the Voisinmobile. The Serpentine Belt had successfully decided to make a split....one of those eternal vacations.

Today's Smartphones sure are a Blessing when you need to go looking for help. We called here and there in Grand Forks to try to locate the right belt. Tried the little town of Hillsboro not far to our south, but they had nothing that would match. Kyli checked in Langdon before coming to help.

We spent four and a half hours keeping this bridge company until our daughter Kyli arrived to chariot us away, back to Fargo, to pick-up a Serpentine Belt.

On our return from Fargo we attempted to fix the difficulty with the tools Kyli had gathered from the home arsenal.The method we chose brought close results,almost fixed in other words, so many times ,but after fighting a long day, getting hungry and temperatures dropping after sunset in a wind cooled location we gave into the "We'll finish it tomorrow" mode. The next morning we gathered more tools and used another method thanks to Youtube to get the job done.

If you happened to see this guy running around in the Fargo, Grand Forks...etc...areas , I wasn't far away.

I have to smile really big. The Mazda came around Christmastime. So, I thought some vanity plates to complement the little Voisinmobile were in order.                                This is the view that kept us entertained while we waited. I spent time musing about what people were thinking as they passed by. It gave me a laugh to keep my anxiety at bay.

It was time to draw on our resources in God. This event was not one you wish on anyone...especially on a holiday weekend.

The State Trooper that stopped to see what he could do to lend aid, offered information that we might find it difficult to find stores open to get a replacement part.We had anticipated some issues with holiday and time of day. However, we were pleasantly surprised to discover the process wasn't as hard as we originally thought.

We had already started the rescue process with confidence that one way or another EVERYTHING was going to workout. 

Thanks be to God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ for everything we experienced...

We made great time getting across Minnesota, arriving in Fargo just in time for lunch. Our first call was to Kyli to get her suggestions for the "Best" places to eat after we had driven down some streets packed with delectable dining establishments.

Corey and I made a lucky choice on a side street. As we talked to Kyli we pulled up in front of what appeared to be a Hometown 1950's style Restaurant called

Kroll's which happens to serve German/American Cuisine

Kyli was quick to share that one of Kroll's specialties was Knoephla Soup . A staple of the North Dakotans hearty meals. 

We had the opportunity to give the Knoephla Soup a try last year when we visited a Devil's Lake establishment during the Easter weekend. 

Speaking honestly, Corey and I, weren't used to the flavor and probably won't be fixing it on our  own as a staple to our diet.  

Upon asking our waitress for some suggestions, we decided to try their Clam Chowder ,after discovering it was the creamy style... what even turned out better was that it came as apart of  our meal.

We both ordered a bowl of the hot soup but I think I would have been very satisfied with just a cup.

Being of German descent I wanted to try one of the specialties Kroll's had listed on their menu.

It was something called Fleischkuechle, a deep fried meat pie. You could order the Fleischkuechle with or without sauerkraut. So, Corey tried the one without and I ordered one with.

I was already full when the order arrived but gave it the good  German try anyway...I liked it because the sauerkraut was subtle in it's flavor,  blending in with the meat and cheese for an almost melt in your mouth consistency. Corey even gave it a try and said he preferred the sauerkraut meat pie over his own plain one.

All in all we found our dining experience to be pleasurable and the atmosphere congenial. Thanks to our waitress who made our visit a good one to the Fargo Kroll's location!

Good Friday Morning

Please forgive the picture quality...I'm making excuses for myself this evening, just have to complain once in awhile.😇 The weather was gloomy, the car windows were speckled and my cellphone camera couldn't take the bumps in the road! Well, now that's over we can get on with the rest of the post!

Good Friday morning Corey and I set off for the far North of North Dakota.

This was our first trip to visit Kyli our daughter and her husband Justin at the United Methodist Church he now pastors in Langdon.

The rising light of the morning brought us to our favorite Truck Stop not far from Albert Lea, MN., Trail's TA Travel Center.

I love catching these three jets as we pass the Owatonna Airport just as we arrive next to one of my favorite  shopping venues.

Yes, we decided to take this familiar route again along I-35  to save some time.

Again, I say..."I'd take a ride  around the patch today,Please!"It certainly would get us to where we needed to go a little faster.

Whoops! Did I just show my impatience?

                                                                                                                                                                     

I'm glad to travel by car in all actuality. It gives me some wonderful opportunities to use my camera and now my cellphone gets a workout to capture whatever I think worthy of remembrance.

I not only saw this Cabela's at Owatonna, but we sped past the one at Rogers, on the otherside of Minneapolis. Ahhh,I learned about another store over in Grand Forks,ND as we passed one of those great advertising tools, "THE Roadside Billboard."

I'm always intrigued by our abilities to convey messages ....Some like this barn that spells it out without a doubt and others that take a few minutes to catch the meaning. I saw some cute mind entertainers along our way too but of course the camera was shut-off and the brain just wanted to enjoy the moment.

I too "Thank You Farmers!"

We depend on the Ag Products to cover so many aspects in our day-to day existence.

We hit the 494 off  I-35 on our way to Interstate 94 to get us to our Western destinations.

One of my favorite building decorations is at the BMW Headquarters as we come up the ramp to join the morning traffic.

Watching for interesting driving patterns came right away when a lady decided it was alright to stop to let us in to the chagrin of those behind her...Thank you for your kindness Lady.
These towers are welcome reminders for me to let me know I'm headed in the right direction. I'm one of those individuals that looks for markers to show me where I'm located. 

They were important to me a couple years ago when I decided to try a new experience, drive through the cities on my own. I got off on a side path where I didn't want to be...keeping these twins in sight allowed me to get back on the right road.

They almost became an afterthought when I tried to hurry-up and get my cellphone turned behind the driver's seat this trip. Helps to sharpen the reflexes!

Come back and I'll share some more of our Easter weekend adventures with you! Until then have a Great Evening!

Voisin Reconstuction Begins

Our work space for the Voisin 3/5  rebuild has reached the point where we can now bring in the wings to start the process. A few days into the process it was decided another shop light was needed and has now been added for our low-light refurbishing hours.
 The Voisin 3/5 has suffered storage decay when she was parked in 2011, after a weather related mishap during a visit to the yearly Father's Day celebration at Gardner,KS ( please click Gardner,KS for a full story of the trip)led to instability in steering. Animal accessibilty caused some damage that has to be addressed to make the frame strong once more.We speculate that either a raccoon or possum had made a wonderful bed in the cockpit. A safe haven for sure from the elements!

Corey removed a top wing to bring to the workshop to begin stripping away the fabric. What a surprise! Asian beetles had found an inviting environment to share with a common denizen of the field,the mouse.

Time to take a closer look at what time and animal damage has done to the frame. The assessment for this wing has been done, lists are being written...Now we need the weather to warm-up again to get the cleaning accomplished.

This is our goal...to modify the proto-type wings to make it easier to disassemble and assemble for easier transporting long distances. We want to see her finding her way back into the air, to see her rise again to greater heights....

 For more information on plans to build your own Voisin 3/5please click here.

Iowa Deer Classic 2017 Chip Beaman Seminar

I want to get back to talking about our trip to the Iowa Deer Classic and visit the first Seminar of the day for us on March 4th... Checking our schedule we found it was time to head downstairs to the Hy-Vee Hall!

So Thankful to get to spend the greater part of the day with my husband Corey at the Iowa Deer Classic! He was able to  get a few ideas to try implement into future plane designs since his hobby is aviation. I'll share those with you later.

We were fortunate to have a young hunter walk by that could help us with our photo taking needs. I had been informed  that documentation is the best way to prove anything. Here's my proof that I came and enjoyed the day and I'm sticking to it!

Ah! Here's the poster we needed to find. The RAM STAGE,  which we found located in Conference Room 107, on the lower level of Hy-Vee Hall.

We were one of the first couples to arrive for the 11:30 Seminar for the "Long Range Shooting for Hunters"

We had a little time before the seminar to get aquainted with a couple from Kirksville,MO. He was retired United States Air Force and familiar with the Commemorative Air Force.Corey and he spoke briefly on the name change of the Commemorative Air Force, as Corey is interested in Aviation History. The retired gentelman   shared his USAF experience, he told us he had gotten the nickname of Colonel Mustard, like in the game Clue.  I can't relate the whole story but it certainly gave us a smile while waiting for the seminar to get underway.


                                            Mr. Chip Beaman of Rolling Bones Outfitters

Our Seminar leader Chip Beaman and a Rolling Bones Outfitter Team member Brian checking the  time to get things going.

Upon introduction Chip shared that the Iowa Deer Classic was his first time in Iowa. Although his mother and grandmother were raised in the Southwest corner , in the small town of Coin. He was born and raised in the desert at China Lake,CA. He now resides in Montana.

Chip Beaman is a 22-year Navy veteran, a former member of several SEAL teams and now a he's teaching others to become excellent marksmen and women in the area of Long Range Hunting.

Chip gave us some background in why you should consider attending the  Rolling Bones Shooting Academy.

As an instructor he took us through the process of breaking in new gun barrels - how to clean and shoot to gain a useful outcome in the pattern.

Chip gave several scenarios to overcome...How different each one of them would be in making choices in achieving precision shooting accuracy. 
 
He continued to stress practicing in all conditions to know where you will become proficient in hitting your mark, the animal you're hunting. Don't leave a wounded animal to die a slow death,not only in long range hunting, but whatever range of weapon used for your chosen hunt. Be an ethical hunter.

It was a pleasure to hear Chip present his knowledge and I hope he will get a chance to come back to Iowa  to give other individuals a chance to hear him speak.

Please click Rolling Bones Shooting Academy  to find out how to book a space for training in the beautiful Black Hills town of Deadwood,South Dakota....

Iowa Deer Classic 2017 in the Rearview Mirror

Iowa State Capitol off I-235

Welcome to Des Moines,IA, home of the Iowa Cubs baseball team , Iowa Barnstormers Arena League Football and the Iowa Wild Amateur Hockey League!

Iowa Proud?!? You Bet!

My husband Corey and I  headed past the State Capitol towards the Iowa Events Center on Saturday, March 4th, to walk the aisles of

Hy-Vee Hall to become one of the many hundreds to experience the Iowa Deer Classic 2017.

We came in from the Eastside so we are now Westbound I-235 to get the right street heading to the main parking lot north of Veteran's Auditorium. Taking 3rd St. to end up at the right spot.

Veteran's Auditorium-Community Choice Credit Union Convention Center and Wells Fargo Arena straight ahead!  For those of you who don't have any history of visits to Iowa's biggest city

I know! Go this way and then that way...then you end up HERE!

Parked outside the Hy-Vee Hall's north entrance was the team bus for Driven with Pat & Nicole.

Later, I found their booth #1 and stopped to listen to the end of one of their seminars downstairs. So many good seminars to attend, I didn't get a chance to hear all that was said...

I was out to take pictures! And that I did! Thanks to these willing souls ...their passion being the Iowa Morel with a little bit of Buck tine decoration to make things interesting.

A few more months and we will be out hunting for morels. Another one of those natural treats that has us out and about in the great outdoors.

AH! Look! Nicky Boy Charters at booth #843. Set-up and ready to share what they can do to provide a vacation on the waters of  Lake Michigan.

I've just gotten a good start but my blogging time for today has come to and end. Spring temperatures are calling before the snow arrives this coming weekend. See you tomorrow!